Technology

It might not be much longer before Google finally makes Android L available, even if the search engine/tech giant hasn’t gotten around giving it a proper name (assuming it still would). That said, Samsung device owners would want to be more aware of what could be the final batch of Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates before Android L rolls out. Of course, Android 4.4.4 updates may continue for some devices even as Android L becomes available, but this compendium of update release details focuses on how everything stands for Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 3 users, with at least a month or so before the expected Android L rollout.

For Galaxy S5 users, it’s only been Verizon that’s rolled out Android 4.4.4 KitKat in the United States, with Android 4.4.4 for the Galaxy S5 showing up on Sprint’s website but still having yet to roll out. In Australia, Optus has just released Android 4.4.4 KitKat for Samsung’s present-day flagship, though what’s weird is that Sam Mobile’s always-updated firmware page still has the Optus Galaxy S5 running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. For now, it’s only been those three carriers that have been in the news in terms of Android 4.4.4 updates for the Galaxy S5, though this list of carriers should expand in the weeks to come.

Galaxy S4 owners, on the other hand, can start expecting Android 4.4.4 KitKat to arrive if they’re on T-Mobile USA; earlier this week, the Uncarrier became the first American provider to push Android 4.4.4 out to Galaxy S4 users. According to T-Mobile’s change log, the update comes with improvements to Wi-Fi calling, though it wasn’t specified what else device owners can expect from the new software. So far, there don’t appear to be any significant problems with the software, so if you’re on T-Mobile, feel free to install Android 4.4.4 should you receive a notification on your Galaxy S4.

Moving on to Galaxy Note 3 users, it looks like Sprint is the only carrier in America to roll Android 4.4.4 KitKat out for Samsung’s outgoing flagship phablet. Like all the updates above, the software is pushing out in batches, which makes it imperative for device owners to be very, very patient – Android 4.4.4 is coming, so do bear with the delays, if applicable. Changes include HD voice icon support, international Wi-Fi calling, a new version of the Samsung Knox security suite, Kids Mode, and others. We can also expect other U.S. carriers offer Android 4.4.4 for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 in the following weeks, if all goes according to plan.

Finally, let’s get to the aging Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung’s flagship Galaxy phone from two years back. As of this writing, Android 4.4.4 KitKat is arriving for Galaxy S3 Neo owners in Kazakhstan. It’s not sure what the update entails, but once again, the software is currently making its way to Galaxy S3 owners in phases, either Over the Air or via Samsung Kies. Further, Hong Kong Galaxy S3 owners appear to be receiving Android 4.4.4 as well, which suggests that Samsung is prioritizing Asia as far as Android 4.4.4 updates for the Galaxy S3 go.